An inconspicuous hill near Ratíškovice in Slovácko, hides a secret that fascinates archaeologists and laymen alike. With a height of 265 meters, it does not particularly stand out, but its summit hides a crater with a diameter of 350 meters and a depth of 40 meters, the origin of which still raises questions

Geographic coordinates of the Náklo peak:

48°56'18.4"N 17°08'14.2"E

Ratíškovice
Czech Republic
Central Europe

Where is the monument to the buyer Sam founder of the Great Moravian Empire And statues of the greatest Moravian princes

Náklo: A mysterious hill with a fascinating history 

Archaeological findings:

On the top of Nákla and in its surroundings, archaeologists have found traces of settlements from prehistoric times, the Bronze Age and the Slavic period. Remains of a 10th-century hillfort and mining activities from the 20th century were also discovered.

Legend of Veligrad:

Náklo is associated with the legend of Veligrad, the mythical metropolis of Great Moravia. While the official history places Veligrad in the Old Town area near Uherské Hradiště, some researchers believe that this important center could have been located on Nákla.

Naklo today:

Náklo Hill is a popular tourist destination. A hiking trail leads to the top, and the top offers a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. There are also several statues dedicated to important personalities of Great Moravia, and in 2004 a lily cross was erected on top.

Statues on Náklo Hill:
Main sculptures:

Cast iron cross: Dominant of the peak, built in 1875. The cross is 4 meters high and stands on a stone plinth.
Sandstone statue of Sám: Statue of the patron saint of Moravia, carved in 1934. It depicts Sám in princely attire with a sword in hand. The statue is 2.5 meters high and stands on a stone plinth with the inscription "Svatý Sám, patron of Moravia".
Other statues:

Statue of the Virgin Mary: A small statue placed on a stone plinth next to a cast iron cross.
Statue of Saint John of Nepomuk: Statue of the patron saint of pilgrims and protector against floods.
Statue of St. Florian: Statue of the patron saint of firefighters and protector against fire.
Statue of Prince Rastislav: The statue was installed in 2007 and depicts Rastislav in princely attire with a crown on his head.
Statue of Prince Svatopluk: The statue was installed in 2016 and depicts Svatopluk in princely attire with a sword in hand.
Statue of Cyril and Methodius: The statue depicts the heralds Cyril and Methodius with a cross and a book in their hands. It was installed in 2013.
There are a total of 8 statues on Náklo Hill.
Náklo is a fascinating place with a rich history and mysterious atmosphere. Whether you are interested in archaeology, history, legends or just want to enjoy a beautiful view, Náklo is guaranteed to enchant you.

Hypotheses about the crater:

Meteorite impact: This theory is the most fascinating, but also the least likely. For confirmation, it would be necessary to find traces of the meteorite, which so far has not been possible.
Volcanic activity: Although there are volcanoes in the Czech Republic, the Slovácko area is not a volcanic area.
Sinkhole: There is a theory that the crater was created by breaking through the ceiling of a vast karst underground.

The village of Ratíškovice itself is worth a visit, where you will find historical monuments and romantic wine cellars